Turns out most women tend to have index and ring fingers that are of the same length, while men typically have index fingers that are shorter. If you're a woman, and your index finger is shorter than your ring finger, you may be three times more likely to develop osteoarthritis in your knees.

I don't usually put much stock in these kind of things...although I do get a kick out of them every once in awhile. I was in the doctor's office when I was reading this Arthritis Today article, and I casually glanced down to check out the fingers on my right hand. Sure, there was a slight difference in length between the two, but I didn't think much of it. I finished the article, then happened to glance at my left hand, and I literally let out a little screech when I did: there was a noticeable difference between the two fingers on my left hand, and my pointer finger was clearly shorter! (Kind of stubby, in fact.)

Guess these things do work sometimes! Let me know how your fingers measure up. My mom noticed a digit variance (we like to throw around the technical terms here at Despite Lupus), and she, too, has OA in her knees and hips. Yes it could be genetic...but maybe not!

Have a great weekend (and thanks to my mom for providing me with a hard copy of the article.)

BUY THE BOOK

Sara Gorman

In 2001, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus, at the age of 26. I had been married less than 6 weeks and was at a highpoint in my career in television production. While I fought to keep hold of the life I'd known - demanding, yet fulfilling career, busy social life, packed vacation schedule - after four years of running my body into the ground, I realized I was fighting life, not living it. Thus, I downshifted almost every aspect of my life. I let go of my career and made it my number one priority to get myself back in good health. I'm proud to say that I've reached my goal, but work each day to maintain that healthy lifestyle. despite lupus. My book details the steps it took to reach that goal. A native of Indiana and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, I reside in Alexandria, Virginia with my husband, two young daughters, and pug dog.